Paul relishes vital spell

Paul Robinson said he is relishing the challenge of helping AFC Wimbledon come through a tough schedule in a positive way, starting with tonight’s FA Cup replay against Bury.

The Dons go into tonight’s match against Bury still occupying a top-10 spot in League One and the experienced defender is looking forward to the tests that lie ahead in league and cup.

QUOTES

Paul Robinson:

“It’s that time of year now when there is a lot of games in a short space of time and there is there is the Christmas period as well. It’s that crucial time of year. What we’ve done is start the season well. To be in the top-10 of the league at this stage, I think we would have all taken that and been pleased. The opportunity is there for us now and we will just be looking to turn a good start into a very good season – that’s the challenge that awaits us.

“With this squad – which I feel will only get stronger – I will look forward to the second half of the season. We want to get through to the second round of the FA Cup and a draw against a team lower down in the ladder. That would be a classic FA Cup tie to look forward to. The first game against Bury we got a good result, but in the second game we did not play particularly well in the first-half and they came out at us. Tomorrow night it is back here at home and we will be looking to get at them.”

Neil Cox:

“We will need to make sure we are on our best game, otherwise we are going to be knocked out of this competition. We need to do really well and prepare right. If we don’t set-up right and get organised right from the first minute, we could have a difficult result against us. All the fans need to get behind us. We need to focus from the start. Whatever happens, even if we get a 1-0 win, we will be over the moon with that.”

David Flitcroft (speaking after defeat to Southend on Saturday):

“I think we caught Nile Ranger and Simon Cox on an incredible day. I think we’ve had something like 24 shots and only five on target, but they had nine shots and six on target. They were very clinical. To concede four goals at home is also very disappointing. We are asking questions, but we have to score in those moments, and Southend certainly did that.

“Today is history and we have to look forward to an opportunity on Tuesday. We need to go into that game with everything we’ve got, ask questions of Wimbledon, and make it difficult for them. We have to make sure we don’t concede similar goals to what we conceded today.”

TEAM NEWS

Tom Elliott and Chris Whelpdale (both illness) were both due to be assessed ahead of tonight’s game and Jon Meades (ankle) is also doubtful.